The Xylom is the only Asian American-run news outlet covering science, climate, and the environment. Approximately a quarter of our stories come from freelancers (pitched or commissioned), so we need your help to become the most trusted resource on environmental health impacts and democracy!

 

We take stories from all across the world, but strong pitches contain the following:

• An American significance: two-thirds of our readers are physically located in the United States

• An environmental/ climate health and democracy approach: it's our bread and butter!

• A strong focus on the stakes, consequences, and solutions: we don't chase after news cycles; we want our readers to put a human (or animal) face on an issue and gain actionable insights

 

Our rates start at 250 USD per piece for reported stories, and 200 USD for essays and op-eds. You can read a sample contract here.

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We welcome early-career science professionals with limited prior writing and storytelling experience, those based outside of the United States, and non-native English users. In particular, we are happy to publish your work in multiple languages, along with your own photos, illustrations, and data visualizations.

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To pitch us, email editor@thexylom.com and include "PITCH" in the subject. Please include:

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• Thesis/ message (1-3 sentences)

• How this story breaks news, or breaks ground on an issue (1-3 sentences)

• Why it matters (1-3 sentences)

• Evidence you have already marshaled, including links (1 paragraph)

• Expected length in number of words

• Note any visuals you would anticipate, including images and illustrations you have the rights to

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Please note that you will be required to submit a fact-checking file if your pitch is accepted. We will automatically reject any pitches or stories that are produced with generative AI. If you don't hear back in two weeks or have questions, please email us at editor@thexylom.com.